. >> reporter: she was supposed to compete in the new york city marathon this weekend. when the race was cancelled, she agreed now is not the time to run. instead, she stayed to help. >> i can't even imagine like losing everything. so if i could do something to help, you know, whatever little i could do, i want to do it. >> reporter: support also continues to pour in by the truckload, with water, and warm clothes. but there is no way to meet the overwhelming need all at once. >> after the initial search and rescue, the recovery process is difficult and it is painful. >> reporter: today, president obama again met with fema officials working to try to ease the pain. >> it continues to be my number one priority. there is nothing more important than us getting this right. >> reporter: vital in a place where so much has gone so wrong. jay gray, nbc news, new york. >>> and republicans are criticizing the president's response to the hurricane, in light of the fact many are without power tonight. democrats say they were pro active and prepared as much as they could. the candidates, meanwhile